PRESIDENT OF UZBEKISTAN RECEIVES QATAR VICE PRIME MINISTER

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Energy and Industry of Qatar Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah at Oqsaroy residence on 26 October.

Welcoming the guest, the President noted that Uzbekistan and Qatar had a huge potential to develop bilateral cooperation.

Islam Karimov expressed his deep respect to the Emir of Qatar and gratitude for welcoming him to visit Qatar.

The President said Qatar’s example of efficient and rational use of natural resources and successful modernization of economy with use of innovative technologies deserved attention.

Vice Prime Minister of Qatar said his country was interested in expansion of all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan.

“His Majesty Emir of Qatar expresses high interest in strengthening ties with Uzbekistan. We are expecting your visit to our state and have many expectations of it,” Abdullah Bin Hamad Al-Attiyah said.

The State of Qatar considers its relations with Uzbekistan among priority directions, highly evaluating the constructive character of Uzbekistan’s policy on the regional and international levels.

The book of President Karimov “High spirituality is an invincible power” was published in Qatar in the Arabic language. Its presentation was held at Doha University.

During his recent official visit to Turkmenistan, the head of Uzbekistan highlighted the importance of developing of the prospective project of transport and communication corridor Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran-Oman-Qatar. The initiative, that would link the Central Asian region with the Gulf states, has already drawn big interest in many states.

Another area of interest for businesses of Qatar is the free industrial and economic zone Navoi in central Uzbekistan, which offers attractive investment opportunities.

During the talks, the sides also considered other topics representing mutual interest.

ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF FRIENDLY RELATIONS

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov arrived in Ashgabat with an official visit by invitation of President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov on 19 October.

Turkmen President Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov welcomed Uzbek leader at official ceremony held at the international airport of Ashgabat. The honorary guard was formed in the honor of the high guest. The state anthems of the two states were played.

The President Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov passed the honorary guard.

In one-on-one, the two leaders had a conversation, exchanged views on the wide range issues concerning Uzbek-Turkmen relations, regional and international problems of mutual interest, UzA informs.

“Today, trade and economic cooperation between our two countries is priority,” Islam Karimov said. “We see Turkmenistan as a reliable and long-term economic partner. A dynamic and progressive development of economic and trade ties will provide a solid foundation for the development of our relations. Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan is developing in line with the interests of both parties, regional and international developments.”

“Turkmen-Uzbek relations are especially significant with similarities in views and approaches to the issues of bilateral cooperation, regional and international problems,” Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov said. “The mutual trust, friendship and good neighborliness, respect for national traditions and values of our peoples bring us together. Turkmenistan appreciates the developing relationship with Uzbekistan.”

The Presidents discussed issues related to political, trade-economic and humanitarian cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the strengthening of regional security and stability.

The Presidents exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan. Islam Karimov stressed that the situation in Afghanistan can not be stabilized by using only military force in the country, turned into ruins in the years of war, they need restoring essential economic and social spheres, involving large-scale international assistance, strengthening of statehood, the provision of employment.

Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov also exchanged views on the efficient use of water energy resources in Central Asia, further development of regional cooperation to mitigate the negative impact of the global economic crisis. Particularly similar and close views of the parties were on the management of shared water resources, which are vital and relevant to the entire region.

Bilateral economic cooperation is also wide. Both countries are rapidly developing oil and gas industry, expanding a partnership with foreign investors in the fuel and energy complex. In this sphere, our countries are also actively participating in multilateral projects along with bilateral cooperation. The pipeline “Central Asia – China” opened in 2009 serves as an example.

The sphere of transport is an important element of economic cooperation. Transportation of cargoes to Turkmenistan is carried out through the territory of Uzbekistan and through the territory of Turkmenistan to Uzbekistan. Communication of our countries operates a transit function for third-country nationals. It was noted that better use of transport and transit potential of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, the possibilities of opening new lines of transportation will be beneficial not only for the two countries, but many other states.

Presidents continued the negotiations with the participation of official delegations of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The discussions focused on issues of trade-economic and humanitarian nature.

Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are among the leading countries in producing and transporting natural gas. The close cooperation of our countries is important in the context of ever increasing energy demand and the ongoing global economic crisis sphere. The issues of improving the products with high added value through joint involvement in investment, that is a major international consortia and in Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan’s gas industry. This will provide an opportunity to raise the income derived from oil and gas industry. This serves to strengthen the cooperation between our countries, create jobs and build new infrastructures.

As noted, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan have great potential in terms of international transit of goods. Thanks to close cooperation in this regard the volume of export and import of goods of the two states transported through the territories of our countries, reached almost 2.5 million tons per year.

Tourism as one of the most high-income areas is one of the priority areas of cooperation. Relationship in this area along with the development of the bilateral exchange of tourists also serves to attract tourists from other states.

Uzbekistan exports services, food, mechanical equipment, vehicles, glass, ferrous metals and articles thereof, optical, chemical products to Turkmenistan. From Turkmenistan Uzbekistan imports plastic and plastic products, services, products of inorganic chemistry. In 2009, the volume of trade amounted to $185.7 million USD. However, as noted in the course of negotiations, this figure does not fully reflect the real opportunities.

The number of joint ventures also can not correspond to the potential parties. It is possible to create joint ventures along with the oil and gas, agriculture, transport, tourism and other areas. These include information technology, construction materials, agro-processing, textile and other industries.

Development of measures trigger untapped opportunities, discovery and development of new areas of cooperation are assigned to the intergovernmental joint commission on trade-economic, scientific-technical and cultural cooperation. In recent years, this committee initiated by the Presidents meets regularly. National exhibitions of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan are organized in Tashkent and Ashgabat.

Issues on humanitarian cooperation also were discussed within the negotiations. Undoubtedly, the spiritual closeness, traditional friendly ties between our peoples are important in the development of this direction.

Workers of culture and arts of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan regularly participate in organized festivals, exhibitions and forums in both countries. In particular, the Turkmen artists regularly participate in international music festival “Sharq taronalari” held in Samarkand. In 2009, the representatives of Turkmenistan L.Begnazarova won the Grand Prix of the festival.

The 200-year anniversary of the prominent Turkmen poet Mollanepes is widely celebrated in Uzbekistan in March of this year.

Uzbek-Turkmen Friendship Festival passing these days in the Turkmen city of Dashoguz is another example of cooperation in the cultural sphere.

Following the talks, President Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov signed the joint Uzbek-Turkmen statement. The two governments had signed a program of cooperation in cultural and humanitarian sphere for 2011-2013.

At the meeting with representatives of the media, Islam Karimov and Gurbanguli Berdimuhamedov noted that the talks were held openly, constructively and in a spirit of mutual trust and respect, and stressed that the agreements serve for further development of Uzbek-Turkmen relations and the interests of both peoples.

Official visit of President Islam Karimov to Turkmenistan continues.

PRESIDENT RECEIVES UNWTO HEAD

President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov received Secretary General of the UN World Tourism Organization Taleb Rifai at Oqsaroy residence in Tashkent on 7 October.

Welcoming the guest, the head of the state noted that Uzbekistan and the international organization were successfully developing relations.

“We highly value the cooperation and common intent to develop relations in opening and developing the tourism, cultural and historical potential of our land,” Islam Karimov said.

Uzbekistan joined the UNWTO in 1993. It is an executive agency of the UNDP and the world’s leading institution in the field of tourism. The organization united over 150 countries and implements numerous projects in the area of tourism, promoting intercultural exchange.

Uzbekistan has established close cooperation with the UNWTO, which helps increase the tourism potential of the country and expand its relations with other states in this sector.

In 2004, UNWTO opened a regional office in Samarkand to coordinate the work of national tourism organizations of the countries located on the historic path of the Great Silk Road. The center has a united information database, which collects valuable data on sights and historical monuments of the regional states.

Every year, Tashkent hosts international tourism fair under the aegis of the UNWTO. The forum, currently underway in the capital, has gathered representatives of more than 20 countries.

In the framework of the fair, the UNWTO on 8-9 October will hold a session on development of tourism on the Great Silk Road in the city of Samarkand.

At the talks with President Islam Karimov, Taleb Rifai expressed high interest of his organization in deepening all-round cooperation with Uzbekistan.

The sides exchanged opinions on the expansion of the interaction between Uzbekistan and the UNWTO, as well as on other issues representing mutual interest, UzA informs.

PRESIDENT ISLAM KARIMOV VISITS KARAKALPAKSTAN

The President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov in order to get acquainted with the socio-economic reforms, resurfacing and the work being implemented on the region, visited the Republic of Karakalpakstan on 5 October.

The reforms, conducted in all areas serve to improve the welfare and upbringing the healthy and comprehensively developed generation. The anti-crisis program measures are also aimed at these objectives and serve as an important factor in ensuring the stable growth of social and economic development within the conditions of global economic crisis.

The results of it can be seen in the case of the Republic of Karakalpakstan. During the first half, the gross of regional product grew by 7.7% , the industrial production increased by 6.2%, consumer goods – by 5.6%, the volume of construction contract works – by 9.1%, trade and public catering – by 16.9%, provision of services – 12.4% and agricultural products – by 13.5%, UzA notes.

As the result of measures on fundamental structural transformation and diversification of the economy, the modernization of production, the formation of a modern market infrastructure, and the support of exporting companies, the export volume grew by 12.8% compared with the same period of last year. The organizational and legal conditions to develop the small and private business sector in the region provided notable results in the republic.

President Islam Karimov visited the Davlat farm in Kegeyli district and held talks with farmers and the youth.

The head of state praised the success, achieved in all economic sectors including cotton and grain breeding despite the environmental conditions in the region. The President congratulated the workers of Aral area with the successful implementation of contractual obligation to deliver the cotton.

Speaking about the development of farming, the President said: “We need to create all necessary conditions for farmers, only then, they are able to achieve high results. We must promptly solve the problems related to the supply of seeds, fuel and lubricants, fertilizers, and concessional lending. Particular attention should be paid to land-reclamation, especially in Karakalpakstan.”

During the meeting, the farmers expressed sincere gratitude to the President for the attention and care for rural residents.

“The attention given for the development of farming is an important factor in our success,” said the head of the farm “Farhad Kushnazarov” of Ellikkala district Halilla Kushnazarov. “The growing culture has been developing from year to year and the land-reclamation work improves the productivity.”

The work on the development of social and economic infrastructure, the development of service industry, bank system, etc, is being implemented in Kegeyli district.

The President gave recommendations on in-depth scientific research to create a drought-tolerant, and early maturing varieties of cotton and its zoning within the conditions of Karakalpakstan.

Focusing on the issues of further improving the living conditions of people, changing the face of our villages, Islam Karimov stressed the need to increase the responsibility of officials to solve these problems.

“Our objective is to further strengthen the legal democratic state that we are building,” said the President. “We should strengthen the public oversight then we will achieve the goals set by us at the plenary session of the General Assembly of the United Nations on Millennium Development Goals.”

The head of state spoke about the achievements in the years of independence and the results of the work to ensure people’s interests and improve nation’s gene pool as well as raising a healthy generation. This is evidenced by the fact that over the years of independence, the life expectancy of people in Uzbekistan increased to 73 years and women up to 75 years.

During his speech at UN MDG summit, Islam Karimov noted that within the period of just one generation, Aral Sea turned into a drying pond, shrunk by more than seven times in size, its water volume decreased by 13 times and the level of salinity increased tenfold.

He again drew attention to this urgent issue during his visit to Karakalpakstan.

“The fate of the Aral Sea is the fate of millions of people. If so, we must fight for our future, for our children’s future,” said Islam Karimov.

During the meeting, the famous scientist and Hero of Uzbekistan, the head of the Laboratory of the Research Institute of Agriculture G. Hodjaniyazov, the teacher of academic lyceum in Nukus P. Kamolova and others thanked the head of state for constant care and attention on improving the environment and strengthening the public health and welfare in Aral Sea region.

Later, the President was familiarized with the activities of meat processing enterprise in Khalkabad city of Kegeyli district.

The Uzbek-Austrian joint venture Kegeyli Buyan produces 30 kinds of sausages and provided 25 persons with permanent job. Supplied with modern equipment the company produces 4.5 tons of integrated products a day. The production process is computerized and controlled by young workers.

The company supplies not only the domestic market but also exports its production. The founder of this enterprise Abil-bog farm is presently building a livestock complex.

Then the President was familiarized with the construction and landscaping works ongoing in the central square of Nukus.

At the initiative of the head of state, a large-scale work on renewal of appearance of Nukus had been implemented. The reen lawns and six fountains at Central Square of the city add charms to the city. The monument to famous Karakalpak poet Berdakh established in the square, contributes to educate the young generation in the spirit of patriotism.

The President noted that the new building of Jokargy Kenes of Karakalpakstan, raised in a modern architectural style, the central area of the city and its surrounding buildings formed a harmonious ensemble. Islam Karimov recommended to plant trees on an area corresponding to the local soil and climatic conditions and improve the landscaping.

At the Nukus branch of Tashkent University of Information Technologies, the students receive education in the four areas on the basis of modern standards. The conditions for students were created in the new educational building of the University.

The President got acquainted with educational process and conditions, talked with the students. It is impossible to imagine life without information technologies in the 21 century, the President noted. The youth of Karakalpakstan should express themselves more confidently and prove that they are noway inferior, the head of state stressed.

In the basis of achieved success in all spheres of life of our country lie the interests of the people, and all that is embodied in the ongoing creative work in the Republic of Karakalpakstan, as well.

EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT DELEGATION VISITS UZBEKISTAN

The delegation of the European Parliament, which is on a visit in Uzbekistan, held talks with the Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Dilorom Tashmuhamedova.

The sides considered issues of expansion of cooperation between the Uzbek and European parliaments.

At the session of the Uzbekistan-European Union parliamentary cooperation committee, the current state and prospects of cooperation between the country and the EU were considered.

Among the issues discussed were relations between Uzbekistan and the EU in the financial, economic, humanitarian and legal fields.

The EU has been actively cooperating with the Central Asian states, including Uzbekistan. In 2004, the EU initiated the regional dialogue mechanism EU-Central Asia.

The Uzbekistan-EU committee was set up in 2000 to boost parliamentary cooperation.The members of the EU delegation also met the Ombudsman of Uzbekistan Sayyora Rashidova and held negotiations at the Foreign Ministry.

TASHKENT HOSTS UZBEK-CZECH BUSINESS FORUM

The forum of business circles of Uzbekistan and Czech Republic was held at the business center in Tashkent, UzA informs.

The event, organized by the Ministry for Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan, focused on further expanding of the bilateral trade and investment cooperation.

Czech entrepreneurs were informed of attracting investment into the economy of Uzbekistan. The guests were acquainted with the privatization process, work on development of small and private businesses as well as the opportunities created in Navoi free industrial economic zone.

“Czech Republic is interested in the gradual development of cooperation with Uzbekistan in all directions” said the director of the Department of Trade and Industry of the Czech Republic Martin Pospishil. “The optimum conditions and opportunities increase attention of Czech business community to Uzbekistan.”

Uzbek-Czech economic relations are based on series of agreements on trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation, mutual protection and promotion of investments.

The promising areas for further development of trade-economic and scientific-technical cooperation between the two countries were discussed at the event.

The issues of further expansion of ties in trade, energy sector, banking and financial system, the field of agriculture and water resources, transport and transport communications, engineering, tourism, the involvement of Czech companies in the privatization process as well as increase of the number of joint ventures and the volume bilateral trade, development and implementation of mutually beneficial projects were discussed at the meeting.

MANUFACTURERS FORUM IN TASHKENT

These days Uzexpocenter plays host for the Fourth International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange. Success of previous forums that had drawn considerable attention from local and foreign industries, resulted in a presidential decree on the program of measures to support the manufacturing sector of economy, ensure its steadfast operation and increase the nation’s export capacities, thus granting the Republican Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange an international status.

Since 2009, these fairs have been held in two phases. The first stage includes regional and industrial exhibitions and trade fairs, and the second phase is the International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange held this October.

The regional and industrial fairs in this past May and July were attended by representatives of more than 1,450 manufacturing enterprises, and 2,644 purchase and delivery agreements totaling 1.5 trillion soums were inked.

International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange 2010 is an absolutely different event. They gather more than 700 domestic enterprises, almost twice as that recorded in 2009, and over 650 representatives of foreign companies and organizations from 51 countries, including Great Britain, Germany, Italy, China, South Korea, Latvia, Poland, Russia, Turkey and other countries. The entire infrastructure of the National Exhibition Company Uzexpocenter are in their disposal, which embraces four modern exhibition halls including two newly constructed ones, two atriums, open areas, conference room and meeting room in the International Trade Center, a hotel, catering.

National and foreign businessmen have an opportunity to fill up their cooperation portfolios and conclude mutually beneficial agreements for the supply of finished products, components and materials, sign export contracts.

As was noted at the opening ceremony, industrial cooperation ensures a dynamic and sustainable development of the national economy, accelerates the introduction of new efficient technologies in production processes, allows extensive use of local raw materials and production resources. This consequently increases the manufacture of modern competitive products, providing economical and rational use of foreign exchange resources, and creating new jobs, promoting stability in the domestic goods and services markets. All these factors help maintain high economic growth rates.

International Industrial Fair and Cooperation Exchange 2010 allows domestic companies to demonstrate more than 6,000 items of products, including over 300 new products developed in 2010.

During the exhibition guest are able to receive consultations of experts of ministries and departments, insurance companies, banks, standardization and certification organizations.

International trade fairs and stock exchange also feature presentations of key industries, and specialized research institutes, promising small businesses.

UZBEKISTAN - LEADING PARTNER ON WORLD COTTON MARKET

On 13-14 October, the Sixth International Uzbek Cotton Fair was held in Tashkent.

Contracts and agreements to purchase more than 650 thousand tons – such amount of cotton fiber were signed in the days of the fair. In addition, contracts worth more than $500 million USD were signed to export the products of domestic textile enterprises, including more than $100 million USD – for the supply of finished textile products.

The Fair ended, but the contracting continues. Foreign consumers of Uzbek cotton are convinced that Uzbekistan is a reliable partner, providing stability of supply and guarantee of high quality goods.

Major reforms undertaken in the cotton sector are complex, affecting all areas from development of new, high-yielding varieties with market needs, organizations of the international harvesting requirements, production, storage, standardization, quality and processing of cotton to the formation of the most optimal conditions for the sale and transportation of purchased volumes on existing and new routes.

The country’s leadership pays constant attention to the development and capacity building of farmers’ movement, expansion of deep processing harvest. And the farmers and producers of cotton are supplied with soft loans, advanced technologies and appliances.

More than 600 representatives of 300 foreign traders and textile companies from 36 countries came to Tashkent in this year’s fair. About 20 cotton varieties with high yield and long, clean and high color purity, with a range of micronaire from 3,5 to 4,9 – exactly as the need for which is the highest in the world, were exposed in the fair market.

“We have been buying Uzbek cotton for the Russian textile industry for 10 years,” said the purchasing director of the company FCA Commexim Pavel Mayorov. “We are sure to participate in each Cotton Fair, which allows on-site negotiation of all terms of delivery and make deal on the most profitable. Besides, there is almost all of the world cotton community that gives us a unique opportunity to be constantly aware of the dynamics of this market globally.”

The leading international experts who participated in the fair, informed traders and manufacturers about changes in supply, demand and prices on world cotton markets, characteristics of the cotton industry in different countries and recent trends in the textile industry.

The high quality of bright, all the colors of yarn and fabrics, light, elegant garments and knitwear are fully appreciated by foreign partners. And the presentations of individual textile projects were carried out within the fair.

“Thanks to the fair, we were able to establish new contacts. We expect to increase our exports to $5 million USD as the result of the agreements concluded here. Besides, we increased communication with partners in Uzbekistan and hope it will allow us to put products for 500 million soums on the domestic market,” said the sales manager of the Uzbek-Turkish sewing and knitting JV Shayhontohur Textile Rustam Rakhmatullayev.

In addition, the competitiveness of domestic textile industry is ensured by reducing the cost of production and thoughtful marketing.

The representatives of the world cotton business exchanged views on possibilities of expanding the trade cooperation with Uzbekistan. One of the results of the annual fair was the fact that the proportion of producers, the representatives of foreign textile companies significantly increased.

“Participation in the annual International Uzbek Cotton Fair creates great opportunities for our business,” said General Director of Superperfekt from Hong Kong Alois Shonberger. “Cooperation with Uzbekistan, which we have been working for 16 years, has great appeal. Primarily, Uzbek cotton has a profitable price and excellent quality. This year, we have entered into a contract to buy 30,000 tons of fiber. I am sure that we will cooperate further.”

The participants of the fair particularly emphasized the effectiveness of economic reforms held in Uzbekistan. They visited a cotton processing plant in Yangiyul, cotton terminal Toshkent-tola and a joint venture textile TashBrunnenteks.” In addition, they participated in the bidding of the Uzbek Republican Commodity Exchange, which was first organized within the fair.

The authority of Uzbekistan as one of the leaders of the world cotton business increases from year to year. One of the important links in a new market mechanism for the implementation of fiber produced in Uzbekistan has become an annual International Uzbek Cotton Fair. The sixth Fair is a prime example of effective economic policy of Uzbekistan and huge changes aimed at further strengthening of the economic power of the state, the dynamic development of all sectors and spheres.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Economic Relations, Investments and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Elyor Ganiyev spoke at the closing ceremony of the fair.

INTERNATIONAL TASHKENT PHOTO BIENNALE

The capital of Uzbekistan has hosted the 5th International Tashkent Photo Biennale TashkentAle - 2010, arranged by the Forum of Culture and Arts of Uzbekistan Foundation, Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan and Tashkent House of Photography.

The Gallery of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan, Youth Creativity Palace, Tashkent House of Photography,Central Exhibition Hall, International Caravanserai of Culture, State Museum of Fine Arts of Uzbekistan and Samarqand Chorsu Gallery exhibited over 800 top pictures by 140 foreign and national photo masters.

The organizing board of the biennale received a total of 2,000 art photographs from over 150 professional photographers and amateurs including 90 foreign artists from more than 40 countries of the world. The photographs were taken in three nominations: Young and Bright; People, Traditions, Environment; and Wings of Experiment.

The awarding ceremony took place in the Central Exhibition Hall of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan.

As Tursunali Kuziev, chairman of the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan noted in his speech, the development of the photography art and arrangement of optimal conditions for its development is assigned a big part in our country along with the development of other kinds of art. The class of photo artists of the Creative Association of Artists of Uzbekistan and studio school under the Tashkent House of Photography is the essential ground to support photo masters, train gifted youth, and reveal creative and intellectual potential in the young people.

Some participants who held master classes for students of the Kamoliddin Behzod National Institute of Arts and Design, art colleges and lyceums of Tashkent, and young photographers, shared their impressions of this art festivity.